Chronic Pain: What is Chronic Pain?
Chronic Pain: What is Chronic Pain?
When pain lasts a long time, it is called chronic pain. This type of pain is often caused by an illness or injury. Some doctors consider pain to be chronic when it lasts one month longer than expected, but the general medical definition of chronic pain is ongoing pain that has lasted for six months or longer. Chronic pain may originate with an initial trauma/injury or infection, or there may be an ongoing cause of pain that is specific in nature. However, some people suffer ongoing pain with no evidence of any past injury or other body damage.
The most common sources of prolonged pain stem from headaches, joint pain, and backaches. Other kinds of chronic pain include tendinitis, sinus pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and pain affecting specific parts of the body, such as the shoulders, pelvis, and neck. Generalized muscle or nerve pain can also develop into a chronic condition. The emotional toll of long-term pain also can make the physical pain worse.
Chronic Pain: Click here for Case Study
Chronic Pain and Common Symptoms:
- Mild to severe pain that does not go away
- Pain that may be described as shooting, burning, aching, or electrical
- Feeling of discomfort, soreness, tightness, or stiffness
Pain is not a symptom that exists alone. Other associated problems may include:
- Sleeplessness
- Withdrawal from activity and increased need to rest
- Weakened immune system
- Chronic Fatigue
- Changes in mood including hopelessness, fear, depression, irritability, anger, anxiety, and stress
- Disability
Chronic Pain and Brain Function:
Research supporst there is a link between EEG brain activity and the experience of pain. Anxiety, stress, depression, anger, and chronic fatigue interact in complex ways with chronic pain and may decrease the brain’s production of natural painkillers; moreover, such negative feelings may increase the brain’s level of substances produced that amplify sensations of pain, causing a vicious cycle of pain for the person. Even the body’s most basic defenses may be compromised: There is considerable evidence that unrelenting pain can suppress the immune system. The qEEG or Brain Map is an assessment tool which indicates the under or overactivity of the electrical impulses of the brain which are causing chronic pain.
Because of the mind-body links associated with chronic pain, effective treatment requires addressing psychological as well as physical aspects of the condition.
New Insights Into Neuromodulatory Approaches for the Treatment of Pain
The Journal of Pain, Volume 9, Issue 3 , Pages 193-199, March 2008
Mark P. Jensen, Shahin Hakimian, Leslie H. Sherlin, Felipe Fregni
Chronic Pain and Treatment Options:
Dallas Brain Changers offers a Holistic Medicine approach toward treatment for this disorder. Interventions include Neurofeedback, Nutrition Counseling , Biofeedback, and Counseling.
Call us today to begin the path toward increased health and healing! We are waiting for your call!
Talk to a professional today! 214-997-4990
CHANGING BRAINS. CHANGING LIVES.
More than 25 years experience helping people just like you
Dr. Stephanie Golder, MA, ThD, Stephen Minister, Hemispheric Life Coach
Mindy Fritz, MS, LCDC, BCN Associate Fellow
